Mr Butler qualified from Westminster hospital (London University) in 1976. He trained in general and vascular surgery in the South West Thames region rotating through St Georges, Chichester, Winchester and the Royal Marsden hospitals.

Mr Butler spent two years carrying out research in vascular disease at King's College Hospital. He was appointed consultant in 1990.

Personal profile:

I live locally in Bredhurst and have been married for 26 years. I have two children and enjoy watching most sports and participating in sailing and skiing.